IPSWICH TOWN defender Axel Tuanzebe has been ruled out for a number of weeks after almost losing his thumb.
Tuanzebe missed Ipswich’s trip to West Ham at the weekend after a freak accident while washing up left him needing surgery.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna confirmed that Tuanzebe was unavailable through a hand injury for the Hammers defeat.
And now the Mail have reported that the injury came as the 26-year-old was washing his dishes, with the star almost losing his thumb in the process.
It’s claimed that Tuanzebe was washing a glass last week when it shattered and deeply lacerated the former Manchester United man’s hand in the process.
Tuanzebe was reportedly in need of urgent medical attention and there was initial concerns that the star could have lost his thumb as a result.
Thankfully, a successful surgery has saved the DR Congo international’s thumb.
However, Tuanzebe still looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after McKenna gave a worrying update following the Tractor Boys‘ 4-1 defeat to the Hammers.
He said: “He’s done a hand injury, a very unfortunate accident.
“He’s had surgery and will be out for a while. It’s not going to be a couple of weeks, probably longer.
Football’s strangest injuries
A look at some of the weirdest injuries in football…
RAPHINA
Former Leeds United winger Raphinha managed to injure his knee while reacting angrily to being subbed off for Barcelona.
The Brazilian reportedly kicked a fridge, doing enough damage to rule him out for a game.
FRANK LAMPARD
Frank Lampard unbelievably managed to break his hand as a manager!
While Everton boss, Lampard celebrated a late winner and took a whack to his hand, subsequently breaking it.
FRENKIE DE JONG
Barcelona midfielder and long time Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong almost missed a number of games after being stung by A BEE!
The star’s hand was left massively swollen after a painful reaction from the nasty sting.
RIO FERDINAND
During his time at Leeds United, Ferdinand managed to injure himself while playing football… on the PlayStation!
The England and Man Utd icon strained his knee after resting on his leg for too long while playing Pro Evolution Soccer.
DAVID JAMES
Former England No.1 David James has managed to injure himself in bizarre fashion TWICE!
The retired shot stopper pulled a muscle in his back while reaching for the TV remote, while he also hurt his shoulder when he was carp fishing.
READ MORE INCREDIBLY BIZARRE INJURIES HERE.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
“There are still discussions with the specialists.
“He’s naturally a miss with the way he’s started the season. He’s going to be out for a little while.”
Tuanzebe has been a huge part of the Ipswich side so far this season, starting all six of their Premier League games prior to the freak injury.
His injury may not have just put a hold on his season on the pitch, but could have scuppered his chances of bettering his world record in board game Hungry Hippos.
Tuanzebe isn’t just a Premier League star, but also the world record holder for the fastest time to clear the game of Hungry Hippos.
The right-back broke the record back in 2018 while on pre-season tour with Man Utd, clearing the game in just 17.36 seconds.
Any chance of bettering that record will have been put on hold with his hand injury surely ruling him out of playing minutes for Ipswich and playing Hungry Hippos any time soon.